Clean energy comes to the Capital City

The state of solar in Springfield

With an average of nearly 200 sunny days each year,^*Best Places, Climate in Springfield, IL, May 2021. and 71% of the rooftops in the city solar viable, most homes and businesses in Springfield can take advantage of solar energy.^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018) As Illinois works to meet its goal of producing at least 25% of its energy from clean sources, residents across the Capital City can help create lasting change, protect the environment, and slash their electricity bills in the process.

How much solar energy does Springfield produce?

Springfield has 635 small solar installations, 115 large-scale operations, and 33 community solar arrays, generating 69.197 MW in total. Among the largest of those installations is the City Water, Light, and Power (CWLP) mySolar 250 kW solar system on Old Tippecanoe Drive, which began operation in 2018.

What are the advantages of going solar in Springfield?

As Springfield looks toward a future powered by the sun, residents can enjoy the numerous benefits of solar installations. If every viable rooftop in the city featured a solar system, Springfield residents could eliminate more than 730,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide from the environment, the equivalent of taking 154,000 cars off the road for one year.^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018)

Beyond the environmental benefits, going solar also can offer financial benefits. Investing in a solar system could save you more than $24,000 in savings over the next 20 years in electracy costs. Many homeowners recoup their initial investment in seven to eight years.^*EnergySage, Solar Panels in Springfield, IL, May 2021.

How much does solar cost in Springfield?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors. These include:

• Quality of the solar panels

• Angle of the roof

• Type of roof

• Amount of shaded roof space

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we’ve analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered from third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.^*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020 In Springfield, we found that the cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $14,750 to $23,150, or in other words, from $2.95 to $4.63 per watt. And that’s before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

The 26% Federal Solar Tax Credit is a particularly helpful incentive.^*Tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information. Additionally, Illinois offers a state sales and property tax exemption for solar energy systems.

The state has also implemented a net metering policy that allows you to transfer any excess energy your system produces back to the grid for a credit on your bill.^*The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information. On a local level, you’ll enjoy competitive metering rates, thanks to a policy implemented in 2020 by the City Council.^*NPR Illinois. Springfield Adopts New Solar Rules. January 2020.

What’s the best way to go solar in Springfield?

There’s never been a better time to go solar in Springfield, but before you get started, keep in mind that the quality, appearance, and durability of a solar system can vary greatly, based on the solar provider you choose.

The size of your system and the number of panels required will depend on your budget, available roof space, and your property’s energy needs. For example, a property owner who wants to generate extra power to store or transfer back to the grid for credit may want a larger system that covers all available roof space with high-efficiency panels.

Alternatively, those who would prefer to minimize upfront costs or maintain the aesthetics of their home, may opt for high-efficiency solar panels, which can help maximize energy production with fewer panels. A consultation with a reputable solar provider is the best way to get the help you need to make an informed decision.

Get started now by requesting a free consultation, and we’ll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at 1-385-489-5552.